SUNY ESF
Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educator

Position Mission

This program is possible through an agreement between SUNY ESF and NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Watercraft Inspection Program is a public education program whose goal is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through voluntary watercraft inspections and educational outreach at boat launches.

Position Type

Summer seasonal appointment (May-September) exceeding no more than four months. Full time (40 hours/week). Work schedule is Friday-Monday, 8:00AM-6:30PM. Weekends and holidays are mandatory. Hours are weather dependent. Opportunities are offered to make up missed time due to rain.

Compensation

The rate of pay is $18.54 per hour. This position does not include health care benefits or paid vacation and personal leave.

Position Location

Niagara: Buffalo Harbor, Fort Niagara, Wilson Tuscarora, Big Six Mile Creek

Genesee: Silver Lake, Braddock Bay, Oak Orchard

Finger Lakes: Cayuga Lake, Allan H. Treman, Honeoye Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Conesus Lake, Allan Treman, Deans Cove, Taughannock, Fair Haven

Thousand Islands: Wellesley Island, Keewaydin, Grass Point, Black Lake, Chaumont Bay, Stony Creek, Westcott Beach

Central: Pine Grove, Mexico Point

Stewards should be located within commuting distance of one of these areas. Transportation and housing will not be provided. Each steward will be responsible for one to three launches and should have reliable transportation.  Location reassignments and variations in hours are unlikely but may occur as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform voluntary watercraft inspections, remove, identify and dispose of aquatic plants found on
  watercraft.
• Educate patrons about aquatic invasive species and distribute educational literature and brochures.
• Transport materials for and set up an education and outreach table each day.
• Collect data about boat launch use, aquatic invasive species spread prevention behaviors, and vectors for potential AIS spread and enter information into a digital tablet.
• Participate in invasive species removal projects, public education and outreach opportunities, and various
  trainings throughout the state, away from designated boat launch location(s). Some travel required.
• Attend mandatory in person training May 16th-18th at Green Lakes State Park.
• Positions located at Allan H. Treman and Conesus Lake require the operation of a watercraft decontamination station (training provided).

Qualifications

• Completed or pursuing a degree in natural resources, biology, environmental studies, recreation, or education.
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to interact with the public.
• Capable of performing duties independently.
• Comfortable working outdoors for long hours and possibly in inclement weather.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Application Procedure

Send a resume, cover letter, and three references in one attachment to mbroda@esf.edu. Applicants should indicate preferred work location(s) in their cover letter. Please contact Mallory Broda (mbroda@esf.edu; 585-735-8789) or Professor Kimberly Schulz (kschulz@esf.edu; 315-470-6808) with any questions pertaining to the position. Applications are due March 1st.